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Travelling by bicycle is the perfect way to explore the many sites and towns of the renowned Loire Valley. Based in a delightful family run hotel in the small town of Chitenay, you will be provided with a bike, maps and route notes to discover the surrounding forests, vineyards and medieval towns and the famous chateaux of Cheverny and Chambord. In the evenings, soak up the warm atmosphere of the hotel and garden and sample the hotel's excellent local cuisine and wine.
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16kg of CO2-e PP per day
(66kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Chitenay
Make your own way to Chitenay and the joining hotel. Optional transfers are available from Blois train station on request (extra cost applies). *The usual hotel is in the centre of the village where there are 3 or 4 simple shops. Your bike will be ready for your arrival on day 1 or by 9am on Day 2. *3 dinners are included (the dates and styles of which will be noted in your final documents. If you wish to change, please ask at the hotel on arrival).
Meals: Nil
Day 2-4
Loire Valley cycle excursions of between 25 to 64km /15 to 40mi
From your base in Chitenay there are several excursions to choose from to explore the neighbouring chateaux, vineyards and forests: - loop cycle to the medieval castle of Fougeres-sur-Bievrel: 24km / 15mi - This part of the Sologne is a pleasure for adults and children. A route through quiet areas on cycle paths and roads with little traffic - loop cycle to Chambord: 64km / 40mi - Cycle through the rich Domaine de Chambord forest, where a stop is essential to visit the château in the Loire Valley. In its Renaissance splendour, the Château de Chambord boasts no less than 440 rooms. This stage offers different routes and the cycling is on cycle paths and roads with low traffic. Free access to the park of Chambord (also cycle routes). - loop cycle to Chaumont sur Loire: 38km / 23.8mi - Following the rivers, pass through the former fishing village of Cande-sur-Beuvron and via private castles and remains of the medieval tower and gate in Les Montils. Continue along the Loire banks to Chaumont sur Loire, where you can visit the chateau overlooking the river. An annual 'Garden Festival' takes place in its park from Jun-Sep, featuring different interpretations of artistic garden composition based on a common theme. A flat stage through quiet areas with low traffic and cycle paths. - loop between vineyards and chateaux: 26km / 16.3mi - Cycle through the 'Pays des Chateaux'. In Celettes there are no less than 18 castles! Some are well hidden in forests or vineyards, others such as Cheverny or Troussay will open their gate. Again, the cycling is through flat countryside, through vineyards, fields and small villages on cycle paths and roads with low traffic. - Blois loop: 34km / 21.3mi - Explore the city of Blois with its Chateau de Beauregard, cycling through the forest to the Loire river banks. Cycle paths and low traffic roads with a busy section approaching and leaving Blois. NOTE: If you have a car you may choose to drive to Chenonceaux or Amboise, which are 30-40km / 18.5-25mi from the hotel. Fit cyclists could cycle to Chenonceaux but you should allow at least 2-3 hours in addition to the cycle to visit the chateau and its impressive gardens including a maze.
Meals: B,D
Day 5
Trip concludes after breakfast
Trip concludes in Chitenay after breakfast. An optional transfer to Blois train station is available on request (extra cost applies).
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
You will receive a hybrid rental bike, minimum 21 speed and unisex or high crossbar model subject to availability. The bike will have been adjusted for your height. You will be provided with a helmet, pannier, lock, helmet and repair kit. The repair kit includes 2 tyre levers, patches, glue, one inner tube and a pump.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft9in.
GRADE 1 - Daily cycles are between 24 and 63km / 14.9 and 39mi on flat to undulating terrain. The cycling is on a combination of dedicated cycle paths and low traffic side roads. There are some stages where you will cycle on busier main roads for short periods. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for beginners and children (children’s bikes and trailers available on request).
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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